The Net Zero Economy Authority has marked two key milestones in the lead up to the statutory review of its Energy Industry Jobs Plan (EIJP).
Net Zero Economy Authority CEO, David Shankey, has announced that University of Technology Sydney Special Innovation Advisor, Professor Roy Green, will lead the review.
Under the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024, the Net Zero Economy Authority CEO must ensure a review of part five of the Act is completed within 12 months of the Act commencing.
Green will consider the effectiveness of the EIJP, which has been set up to support employees impacted by the closure of closing coal-fired and gas-fired power stations to prepare and transition to new employment.
In addition, Shankey has also released the Terms of Reference for the review, which will consider whether the EIJP is meeting the Parliament’s intent to build a world-leading and consistent approach to worker support in the energy transition, while considering the circumstances of businesses impacted by power station closures.
Shankey said the review will strengthen the Authority’s approach to worker support.
“I am pleased to have Professor Green lead the review into the EIJP, which is an important part of our legislation,” he said.
“Insights from the review will strengthen our approach to future power station closures and will ensure workers are provided with the supports they need.”
Since the Act commenced on 11 December 2024, the Net Zero Economy Authority has applied part five of the Act in three separate instances:
- On 19 December 2024, Shankey exercised statutory discretion to not undertake a community of interest process under Part 5 for the closure of Muja C Unit 6 in Collie, Western Australia
- On 13 January 2025, Shankey announced a community of interest process under Part 5 of the Act for Torrens Island B Power Station in Adelaide, South Australia, which is scheduled to close in June 2026
- On 27 May 2025, Shankey announced a community of interest process under Part 5 of the Act for Eraring Power Station in Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, which is scheduled to close in August 2027
Green said stakeholder consultation will be a critical focus of the review.
“The EIJP has been designed to ensure workers transitioning from coal and gas facilities are provided with fair and structured pathways to new employment,” he said.
“The EIJP Review will consider whether the legislation is performing as planned.
“I look forward to assessing this important legislation aimed at assisting workers in the areas of Australia most impacted by the transition and identifying opportunities in the industries and technologies of the future.”
The Net Zero Economy Authority said Green conducted the Federal Government’s Review of the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industries, led Australian participation in a global study of management practice and productivity, and has prepared and co-authored numerous research and public policy reports. This includes a report on a national innovation framework for Australia for the Business Council of Australia, a report on productivity for the McKell Institute, a report on New South Wales innovation precincts for the New South Wales Government, a review of South Australia’s advanced manufacturing strategy, and a report for the Senate Innovation System Inquiry on the structure and performance of Australia’s national innovation system, which became an input to the Prime Minister’s National Innovation and Science Agenda.
He is currently on the Board of the CSIRO and the SmartSat CRC, and he is a member of the CSU Council, Australian Design Council and Committee for Sydney Economics Advisory Council.
Green is also the current Chair of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub and served as Chair of the Port of Newcastle.
The EIJP Review will invite comments from stakeholders and the public, via consultation, which is expected to be announced shortly.
The Net Zero Economy Authority said it will support Green as he undertakes the review.
Green will provide his report to the CEO and Federal Minister for Industry and Science, Tim Ayres, by the end of 2025.
